Pool Chasers Podcast

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EPISODE 243: FROM WATER POLO, POOLCORP MANAGEMENT, EDUCATOR, TO PASSIONATE SALES REPRESENTATIVE: A SOBER MAN’S JOURNEY WITH AJ GRUCKY OF BLAKE SALES ASSOCIATES

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Greg and Justin sit down with AJ Grucky, Manufacturer Representative of Blake Sales Associates, which offers pool and spa manufacturers a multi-level, multi-dimensional sales and marketing program.

AJ got his start in the swimming pool and spa industry in January 2010 as a Manager for POOL Corporation. He left wholesale distribution in 2017 to pursue a sales and education career with NC Brands until he joined Blake Sales in early 2021.

Listen in as AJ takes us down memory lane, reflecting not only on his career in the pool and spa industry, but other major milestones, including his long road to sobriety and his time as a college athlete playing water polo for the Sun Devils.

AJ discusses his keys to success as a representative at BSA. Offering his thoughts on communicating effectively in times of conflict, he suggests that the most important thing to think about is that nobody is immune to making mistakes—that our focus as leaders should be on our response to those mistakes.

To AJ, this principle applies equally to discussions with team members as it does to discussions with customers. For every employee in an organization, and particularly for sales reps like himself, the top priority should be around maximizing the human connection between the product or service to the end user.

Topics Discussed:

  • [01:13] About AJ Grucky

  • [05:05] Journey to sobriety

  • [16:29] Growing up around water

  • [21:03] Water polo overview

  • [35:06] How AJ got involved in the pool industry

  • [40:00] Justin and AJ meet at SCP 512A Mesa

  • [44:53] Effective communication when dealing with issues in business

  • [47:40] Leaving POOLCORP

  • [56:29] Products represented by BSA

  • [01:01:50] BSA’s ideal client

  • [01:09:36] Ideal communication

  • [01:10:45] Products that AJ is most excited about

  • [1:18:54] What BSA doesn’t do

  • [1:27:38] How sales reps add value to pool companies

  • [1:31:16] Favorite pool

  • [1:32:48] Favorite outrageous pool

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Connect with Pool Chasers:

Key Quotes by AJ Grucky:

  • It’s not about the mistakes you make. It’s about your response to them.

  • The number one expense that normally goes undocumented in business is the cost of hiring and firing.

  • If you can create a swimming experience that customers love, and you can repeat that process over and over again, you’re going to be very successful.

People & Resources Mentioned:

YooHoo - https://www.yoo-hoo.com/

Lucies - https://lucisorchard.com/

Arizona Arnold Palmer - https://drinkarizona.com/products/arnold-palmer-lite-20oz-tallboy

POOLCORP - https://www.poolcorp.com/

Tempe Bloopers - https://tempebloopers.weebly.com/

Brophey - https://www.brophyprep.org/

St. Francis Xavier School - https://school.sfxphx.org/

ASU Honors College - https://barretthonors.asu.edu/

Michael Phelps - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Phelps

Bob Bowman - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Bowman_(coach)

ASU Swimming - https://thesundevils.com/sports/mens-swimming-and-diving

ASU Water Polo - https://thesundevils.com/sports/womens-water-polo

Todd Clapper - https://thesundevils.com/sports/wrestling/roster/coaches/todd-clapper/170

Water Polo Rules - https://usawaterpolo.org/sports/2018/11/28/resources-understanding-the-game-html.aspx

Antiwave - https://antiwave.com/

Chipotle - https://www.chipotle.com/

In N Out - https://www.in-n-out.com/

Planet Earth - https://www.bbcearth.com/shows/planet-earth

History of Serial Killers -

John Grucky - https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-grucky-2774232b

Dave Cook - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-cook-43619442/

POOLCORP MIT Program - https://www.poolcorp.com/careers/mit-program/

SCP Mesa 512A (Busiest Branch) - https://www.facebook.com/SPPMesa512A/

Landon Mondragon - https://www.instagram.com/landonmondragon/?hl=en

Chris Marcano - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-marcano-24ba079/

Natural Chemistry - https://naturalchemistry.com/

Leslies - https://lesliespool.com/

Mike Ramey - https://www.poolspanews.com/business/president-of-blake-sales-associates-passes-away_o

Virginia Graeme Baker Act - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virginia_Graeme_Baker_Pool_and_Spa_Safety_Act

Derek Alves of BlueSquare - https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-alves-08b59b208/

Skimlite - https://skimlite.com/

Rainbow -

Taylor Technologies - https://www.taylortechnologies.com/

Blue Square - https://www.bluesquaremfg.com/

Blue Square Spectrum Nichless LED Pool & Spa Lights - https://www.bluesquaremfg.com/nicheless/

The Outdoor Plus - https://theoutdoorplus.com/

Clear Comfort - https://clearcomfort.com/

Green Story Global - https://www.greenstoryglobalpoolandspa.com/

CYA Remover by Green Story Global - https://www.greenstoryglobalpoolandspa.com/cya-remover

BioActive CYA Reducer - https://www.bioactivenow.com/bio-active-8-oz

Solar Breeze - https://solar-breeze.com/

Monty with Good Neighbor Pool Service -

Hasa Buys Orenda -

Heritage Pool Supply Group - https://www.heritagepoolsupplygroup.com/

City of Phoenix Water & Sewer Rates & Charges - https://www.phoenix.gov/waterservices/customerservices/rateinfo

Natural Chemistry Liquid Solar Cover - https://naturalchemistry.com/coverfree/

Venetian Outdoors - https://www.venetianoutdoors.com/

Cameraeye - https://camereye.ai/

Scare Tissue Book - https://www.amazon.com/Scar-Tissue-Anthony-Kiedis/dp/1401307450